A year after he and the franchise elected to mutually part ways, Brandon Banks is still hoping to make a return to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The 35-year-old receiver will be in attendance for Hamilton’s Week 3 clash with the Montreal Alouettes on Friday as the Ticats’ Alumnus of Distinction — a weekly honour given to notable former players. However, Banks told 900 CHML‘s Rick Zamperin prior to the game that he’s not yet comfortable calling his CFL career complete.
“I’m not retired. I’m open to coming back, but that’s not in my control,” Banks said. “Obviously, I’m satisfied in my career. I’m okay to retire right now but obviously, I want to play a little bit more.”
“To be honest, it’d have to be the right situation but obviously, everyone knows where I want to be.”
The five-foot-seven, 150-pound target broke into the CFL with the Ticats in 2013 and played eight seasons with the team as a receiver and return specialist, becoming one of the most impactful players in franchise history.
Banks is Hamilton’s all-time leader in kickoff return yards (3,773), punt return yards (3,049), missed field goal return yards (779), and missed field goal return touchdowns (five). He ranks second in touchdowns (62), combined yards (13,686), and punt return touchdowns (7).
He was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player in 2019, the league’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player in 2015, a league all-star four times, and an East Division all-star six times.
Banks was released by the team following the 2021 season to make way for a wave of younger, cheaper receiving talent. He left on good terms with head coach Orlondo Steinauer and remains deeply invested in the Ticats’ success.
“I’m tuned all the way in, I’m watching every game. I wouldn’t say every snap but I’m definitely tuned into everything that’s going on,” Banks said. “They’ve got a good team. Anytime you’ve got Coach O as the leader, you always believe. Obviously situations have happened with Bo getting hurt and things like that, but it’s a new team, you’ve got new guys. I think the further along they get in the season, I think they’ll win more ballgames.”
The veteran speedster signed a two-year contract with the rival Toronto Argonauts after leaving Hamilton but lasted just a single season before being released. He caught 37 passes for 522 yards and four touchdowns over 16 games with the Double Blue, delivering on his professed goal of winning the Grey Cup.
Since hitting the open market in January, Banks says he has had conversations with several teams but remains undecided about a comeback.
“It’s pretty much up in the air, 50/50. Obviously, like I said earlier, I wouldn’t mind playing again but at the same time, I’m okay with my career,” he explained. “The reason why I’ve waited so long is I just wanted to make sure I’m 100 percent with my decision. Right now, I’m just leaving the door open for a good opportunity to come.”
The opportunity he’s waiting for appears to be a heroic return to Steeltown, with Friday’s appearance being a chance to reward the fans for their years of support. He hopes that they will soon be cheering for him once again, but urges them not to hold their breath.
“Don’t get too excited, because that’s out of my control,” he said. “I don’t want nobody to say anything. We’ve got to try to convince Coach O and Bob Young, that’s the people we need to talk to.”
The Ticats (0-2) will kick off against the Alouettes (1-0) at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Montreal eliminated Hamilton from postseason contention last year, defeating them 28-17 in the East Semi-Final.
